Who is Madi Colville Walker?
Madi Colville Walker, is a proud Yorta Yorta Woman, an inspiring musician who has had many opportunities after her very first performance at the Tamworth CMAA (Country Music Association Of Australia) Junior Academy back in 2017.
Since then, Madi has performed at many significant events across Australia and collaborated with various renowned organisations. During her time in the music industry, Madi has supported many well known Artists such as Uncle Archie Roach, Alice Skye, Isaiah Firebrace, Benny Walker, Fanny Lumsden, Kutcha Edwards and Darlinghurst. In 2023, she achieved a significant milestone being named recipient of the NIMA’S (National Indigenous Music Awards) Archie Roach Foundation Award.
Madi Continues to hold a strong connection to her Community, Country, as well as all of the organisations and people she has connected with throughout her journey as a artist. These people inspire Madi, and have encouraged her to do her best in music, as well as having a strong continuous support from her family.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I had to choose another career outside of music, I think I would have aimed at a job working in the field of psychology. When I was attending my senior years of high school, psychology was one of my classes.
Who inspires you and why?
There is a very long list of people who inspire me! However, my family are the people who inspire me most. They are beyond supportive of my music journey, and as the baby of the family, they each have raised me to become the person I am today.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Over the past couple of years, I have started to take part in becoming a mentor for young people who may be interested in expanding their creativity. I hope to become a role model for the next generation and help them believe in themselves to “reach of the stars”.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I am very lucky to have the opportunity to travel with my music, I have been to many beautiful places across Australia, but I have only been to two overseas countries – Thailand and Bali. I loved these holidays and memories created with my family – we speak of them often.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I think summer is always the best time to be around home, there is always a good atmosphere This question is a little difficult to answer for me personally! When family and friends visit town, everybody always stops past our family home. There have been times when friends and family come to town on a weekend where I am performing at one of the local wine bars, it’s a special feeling for me to have my family and friends at these little shows.
What are you currently reading?
I have a couple of books currently on the go, but my most recent read is: I’m With The Band: Confessions of a Groupie. This is a true story of a young girl by the name of Pamela Des Barres. Writing stories in her diary and letters to her friends, she shares her experiences growing up as a teenager in the 1960’s and 1970’s, she quickly fell in love with the Sunset Strip and the music scene.
What are you currently listening to?
I have always had an eclectic taste when it comes to music, I appreciate so many artists and genres. My usual go to is country music, in particular old country! Recently, I have been listening/learning Apartment #9 by Tammy Wynette. This is a beautiful song, I just love her lyrics.
Happiness is?
Happiness for me is being around my family and friends. I always know I feel at ease when I get the opportunity to catch up with my loved ones, especially when I have been away for some time.
What does the future hold for you?
I am very grateful of all of the opportunities that I have had over my journey as an artist. In the future, I hope to release some more music, potentially an album, along with a little tour!
Madi joins a stellar line-up of artists who will perform at Koorie Krismas 2024 – which will be presented at the Koorie Heritage Trust, Fed Square, Melbourne, on Saturday 14 December. For more information, visit: www.kht.org.au for details.
Image: Madi Colville Walker (supplied)